Ian storms to Cragside win

AN Amble athlete was victorious over 10k for the second time in a month, coming home over five minutes ahead of the rest of the field at the Cragisde 10k on Saturday.

Morpeth Harrier Ian Harding clocked a time of 32m2s around the course on the National Trust estate in the first Run Northumberland 10k race of the 2011 series.

Setting off on a wet morning, almost 200 runners went on a lap through the forest at the estate near Rothbury.

With many local entrants as well as runners from across the North East, the race is expected to become a popular race in the region’s running calendar.

Ian Harding, running in his Harriers’ vest, literally ran away from the field in the first mile and his lead extended to over five minutes by the time he came into the finish in front of the visitors’ centre at Cragside.

The ladies were led by Tynedale Harrier Sonia Morley who ran an impressive 40m32s to take ninth place overall.

Race organiser Richard Hunter said: “It is a wonderful setting for such an event.

“The runners’ feedback was very pleasing and many of them spend the whole day at Cragside visiting the House as well as taking part in the race.”

With the majority of the runners not attached to athletics clubs, the Run Northumberland series is attracting new participants to the sport and this is likely to continue this weekend with more runners expected for the Bamburgh 10k on Sunday.

Mr Hunter added: “We hope the series will grow over the summer.

“The final race is at Wallington in September and we expect over 1,000 runners to take part in the whole series.

“This can only be good for the county and good for the sport.”

For more information, see www.runnorthumberland.org or http://www.thepowerof10.info/results/results.aspx?meetingid=52950 for full results.